Laterality of lower limbs during V2 Al ternate in Nordic combined athletes

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of this study was to analyse the foot pressure distribution by cross-country skiers during the push-off phase when using the V2 Alternate skating technique depending on lower limb preference. The study also focused on whether push-off during V2 Alternate would be performed more quickly and in a shorter time interval by the dominant leg than the non-dominant leg. Methods. Data were collected using a pedographic system together with synchronised video recording. Conventional dialogistic methods used in kinanthropology were used to detect the lower-limb lateral preference. Results. statistically significant differences in the vertical component of force produced by the right/leg lower limbs was observed. However, no statistically significant differences were present in the duration when weight was transferred to one of the lower limbs. Conclusions. Although V2 Alternate is a movement task that is considered to be symmetrical (where left and right leg push-off should be practically identical), the results of the study proved otherwise. In practice, this implies that the explosive force capabilities of cross-country skiers should be trained especially for the non-dominant leg so as to ensure that a fully adequate push-off can be conducted during two-sided skating.

Evaluation of laterality in the snowboard basic position

“…Their study of laterality during symmetrical ski turns showed that the functional preference of the lower limb can affect the execution of a turn, even in the case of professional skiers. Furthermore, Jandová and charousek [21] performed an evaluation of ski runners and demonstrated that even for motions such as a two-step glide (V2 Alternate), which is symmetrical, the kick off will be performed quicker and in a shorter time by the dominant leg. The practical meaning of this is that when training, the ski runners should focus on improving their explosive power, especially in the case of the non-dominant leg.…”